Loading and recovery apparatus

Abstract

An improved multi-function loading and recovery apparatus for use with pallets, flat racks, containers and the like having a simple, effective design while enabling efficient operation in a wide variety of recovery operations. This multi-function loading and recovery apparatus utilizes a double pivoting tilt frame and self-locking L-arm, and also includes a unique inside-outside rail option, a collapsible bumper, forward-mounted rollers, an improved rear stabilizer and other features.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A loading and recovery apparatus for handling railed container bodies, the apparatus being operable from a rearward end of a recovery vehicle having a wheeled chassis, comprising: a longitudinally extending frame pivotally mounted to the chassis, the frame having opposed sides defining its width and an upper surface adapted to support the container bodies;   means for pivoting the frame positioned at a rearward location on the chassis;   a rail engaging mechanism mounted to the frame and adapted to engage the rails of container bodies, the rail engaging mechanism including at least one fixed supporting member extending transverse to and movable with the pivoting frame, and at least two rail retainers each rotataby mounted to the supporting member adjacent the opposed sides of the frame, with at least one of the retainers being slidably mounted in a direction generally transverse to the frame; and   means for loading and unloading the container bodies from the upper surface of the frame;   wherein the rail engaging mechanism permits the apparatus to handle container bodies having rails of varying spacing, facilitates retention of the container bodies to the pivoting frame when the frame is positioned at varying angles of inclination, and cooperates with the frame to limit lateral movement of the container bodies during loading and unloading of the container bodies onto or off of the upper surface of the frame or during movement of the recovery vehicle.   
     
     
       2. The loading and recovery apparatus of claim 1, further comprising hydraulic actuators for pivotally moving the frame between raised and horizontal positions. 
     
     
       3. The loading and recovery apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more power actuators, and wherein the means for loading and unloading includes an extendable and retractable generally L-shaped arm pivotally connected to the frame and driven by the one or more power actuators. 
     
     
       4. The loading and recovery apparatus of claim 1, wherein two pairs of rail retainers are mounted to the at least one supporting member. 
     
     
       5. The loading and recovery apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism for fixing the at least one movably mounted retainer in a desired location relative to the supporting member. 
     
     
       6. The loading and recovery apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one supporting member comprises an axle. 
     
     
       7. The loading and recovery apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least two rail retainers comprise metal rings. 
     
     
       8. The loading and recovery apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a winch mounted to the rear of the vehicle chassis. 
     
     
       9. The loading and recovery apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for loading and unloading includes a pivoting lifting arm driven by one or more power actuators. 
     
     
       10. A loading and recovery apparatus for handling railed container bodies, the apparatus being operable from a rearward end of a recovery vehicle having a wheeled chassis, comprising: a longitudinally extending frame pivotally mounted to the chassis, the frame having opposed sides defining its width and an upper surface adapted to support the container bodies;   at least one rail engaging mechanism mounted to the frame and adapted to engage the rails of container bodies, the rail engaging mechanism including at least one fixed supporting member extending transverse to and movable with the pivoting frame, and at least two rail retainers each rotatably mounted to the supporting member adjacent the opposed sides of the frame, with at least one of the retainers being mounted for slidable movement along the supporting member; and   a pivoting lift arm connected at a rearward end of the recovery vehicle for loading and unloading the container bodies from the upper surface of the frame;   wherein the at least one rail engaging mechanism permits the apparatus to handle container bodies having rails of varying spacing, and cooperates with the frame to limit lateral movement of the container bodies during loading and unloading of the container bodies onto or off of the upper surface of the frame.